Jean Wright makes 70 the new 50!

Chester Francis-Jackson, Contributor

There was a time when growing numerically older was not publicly acknowledged or celebrated as the prevailing school of thought said ageing was not only a sign of decline, it was downright unfashionable!

Not many moons ago, there were few women over 40 who would publicly or privately admit their age! All that changed, however, with the new shift that saw 40 becoming the new 30, with people living longer, fuller, and healthier lives. This has seemingly retarded the ageing process and improved the attitude towards it!

My darlings, for aeons, mankind has been searching for the "fountain of youth", and yes, the secret is now out - the 'fountain' has been found and contemporary humans have been drinking lavishly of its rejuvenating properties! For many, it has been the skilful application of the steady hand of the doctor's scalpel. For many others, it's diet and exercise! And for some others, it's the application of both!

How things, attitudes and behaviour have changed! Today, ageing is no longer frowned upon as a tiresome burden that comes with the gift of life, but longevity is being celebrated! And little wonder as a dear friend is wont to say to those who complain of advancing years, "Think of the alternative!"

And so, a few weeks ago, when invitations hit the boulevards of high society entreating friends and colleagues of style doyenne, the ultra fab Jean Wright, to join her in celebration of her 70th birthday, the response to the invite was twofold. Firstly, one of shock, for many the 'news' that Jean Wright was 70 was somewhat of a surprise, as except for those who have been socially close to this style icon, she looked and acted like a lady in her mid-50s! The other response was, good for you girl, and way to go!!

Well, my dears, the ever-so-charmingly lovely Mrs Wright celebrated her 70th birthday on Friday, October 28. The celebration, however, was two Saturdays ago at the upper St Andrew and oh-so-chic home of the Wrights - Jean and the esteemed attorney, Norman Wright, QC, in the ritzy gated community of Norbury Villas in Norbrook. Dears, we are talking a study in chic here and nothing but!

Dears, the dress code as stipulated by the invitation was black & white chic and so it was that the shortlist of specially invited guests went to town and then some in its observance. Upon their arrival however, they were greeted by the hostess/birthday girl in a stunning fire-engine red ball gown! This display of hostess' privilege added that extra oomph, and sense of excitement to the evening's proceedings!

style magma

Guests began gathering at the appointed time of 8 p.m. and as old friends gathered and shared felicitations over libations, it was clear that the evening would be a style magma. The courtyard and gardens of the home were decorated by Ann-Marie Weise to reflect the cosmopolitan flair of the couple, while capturing the essence and magic of the very special occasion. A fantasy setting included chandeliers suspended from the garden's dominating centrepiece - a towering breadfruit tree - the chandeliers representing a tree in full bloom, the glow, adding to the warmth and cosiness, enhanced by the lounge, created for relaxed partying. The raised dancing platform made it clear that this was not going to be a party of fuddy-duddies, but one where dancing was going to be a centrepiece of the night's proceedings!

Pumpkins, the party officially got under way, with the birthday girl, escorted by her hubby, making the way to floor for the 'opening number' amid a series of twirls, modelling poses, playfully hammed it up some, before her appearance evolved into a beautiful duet of love, as she and her husband created their own dance to their own music, and fabulously and graciously so!
With her son-in-law, Phil Powell, as the evening's compère, the official prelude to an evening saw Dr Pat Dunwell saying prayers. This was followed by toasts from the birthday girl's family (her husband, daughters Eroleen Anderson-Powell and Erica Anderson, and granddaughter Jaime-Leigh McCook).

With the formalities out of the way, it was time to party.

My dears, you've all heard of the fabulous 40s, well, Jean Wright has redefined all of that, and now, it's all about 70 being the new 50!

And pumpkins, as the 'pin-up girl' for the fabulous 70s, Jean Wright led the partying, dancing up a storm with husband Norman and this simply acted as a catalyst that propelled many on to the dance floor, where they simply partied the night away!

Guests were treated to the gourmet delights of chef extraordinaire Susan Couch and luvs, we are talking culinary esoterica here and then some.

Among those out were Justice Minister Delroy Chuck and wife Patricia; Transport and Works Minister Mike Henry and his wife, the ultra-fab Dawn Chambers Henry; Labour Minister Pearnel Charles; Custos of St Thomas, the elegant Marcia Bennett; Ambassador Derrick and Thyra Heaven; Christopher Bovell and his wife, the très élégant grand dame of haute fashion Michelle; Earl Levy and wife social grand dame Beverly Junor Levy; the très élégant Lorna Myers; Anthony and Jeanne Watson; Anthony and Elieth Wright.

We saw John Wright; birthday girl sibling Pat Samuels and her husband Ashman; Beverly Broderick; the charmingly lovely and regal Jeannette Hutchinson; the vivacious Angela Neita; Dr Trevor Golding and wife Shirley; the serenely elegant Ruth Hussey, her daughter the lovely Angeline Hussey Harris, and her daughter, the stunningly lovely Chrystelle Harris; Captain Michael Lyn and his wife, socialite Thalia sporting one fab ultra-mini; John Makinson and the elegant Janette Stewart; the fab Dorothy Carter-Bradford.

Also spotted were Dr Douglas and Hyacinth McDonald; the charming Polly Brown; Anthony and Jeanie Bell; the affable Captain David McRae; Ann-Marie Feanny; Stanley Dunwell and wife Dr Pat Dunwell; the lovely Dian Watson; former US diplomat Ward Morrow and Carmen Brown; Dr Grace Martin-Hall; Leroy Cooke and Dr Jackie Martin; Dennis and Chhaya Hawkins; Ronnie Cooke and wife Ethlyn Norton-Cooke; Geoff Messado and wife Jennifer; Pamela Garel, visiting from Florida; Blossom McLean, also in from Florida; plus a number of others!